Elemental iron (Fe) is ranked fourth in abundance in the earth's crust and is the major constituent of the earth's core. It rarely occurs in nature as the native metal.

• The pure metal is silvery white, very ductile, strongly magnetic and melts at 1528° C.

• Iron accounts for approximately 95% of all metals used by modern industrial society.

• Metallic iron is most commonly produced from the smelting of iron ore to produce pig iron.